Chelsea won the Premier League at a canter last season after Antonio Conte was brave enough to change the shape of his team mid-season and now the Italian has hinted that he might do it again.

The Blues led the revolution to playing three at the back in the last campaign and as they find themselves nine points behind league leaders Manchester City after nine games, Conte admitted on Wednesday night that he may decide to play in a different formation.

"We will have three games before the international break and to see him fit 100% may be after the international break," Conte said when asked about Drinkwater's fitness.

"I can count him in games now. If I decide to play with three midfielders, it's very important."

(Image: DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Conte also revealed that N'Golo Kante is set to return from his hamstring injury, although he did not reveal exactly when the Frenchman would be back in the team.

"He's progressing well. I saw him in a good physical condition," the Chelsea manager explained.

"At this moment we have to find the strength to keep calm and find the right moment to put him in the team. It will be very easy now to tell him to play. We have to find the best solution for him. He's ready."